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Together with the hire car legends at Europcar, we’ve uncovered a luxurious lineup of local road trips that feel like a slice of Italy, the Alps and beyond. Because exploring your own backyard in a fresh whip can be just as fun as adventuring abroad.
22 Romantic Getaways In Victoria That Are Swoonworthy
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Your guide to Euro-style road trippin’, minus the long-haul flight.
VICTORIA
Sorrento is the heavenly slice of the Côte d’Azur, just a short drive from Melbourne. This chic seaside town offers a blend of historic charm, stunning beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it perfect for a weekend escape. Check yourself into the Hotel Sorrento for a luxurious weekend, and be sure to enjoy their rooftop bar inspired by St. Tropez beach clubs.
SORRENTO
This one’s for all the Brits down under chasing a slice of home away from home. Hit the road for Queenscliff a quaint, English coastal town vibe, where you can take a leisurely stroll along the heritage walk or pop into the Fort Queenscliff Museum. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture vulture, or just love going to the beach, there’s something for everyone here.
Queenscliffe
Welcome to Australia’s very own ‘Prosecco Road’. Get yourself to the King Valley ASAP—famous for its Italian wines like sangiovese, nebbiolo and prosecco—notably crafted lovingly by family-owned wineries like Pizzini. With the beautiful scenery, tranquil vineyards and dining experiences aplenty, this is the laid-back road trip you've been craving.
King Valley
Ever wanted to hit up a Hungarian hot spring? This ultimate Aussie alternative is only a short drive away for those in need of a little R&R. Renowned for its mineral-rich hot springs at places like Hepburn Bathhouse, Daylesford offers a rejuvenating escape amid lush forests and rolling hills. Beyond its wellness scene, the town itself boasts boutique shopping and a burgeoning food culture that has transformed it into a must-visit destination.
Daylesford + Hepburn Springs
Victoria's High Country is a year-round playground where epic Alpine scenery meets good food, and fun sports like skiing and snowboarding. We’re heading into peak snow season, so pack the car and make your way to Mount Buller or Mount Hotham for that satisfying swish underfoot. Add in mountain views, après-ski hot chocolates, and you’ve got the perfect snowy escape.
High Country
This stunning part of the world mirrors the beautiful Salzburg countryside in Austria, but less than an hour's drive from Melbourne. A charming area jam-packed full of stunning walks and picture-perfect scenes, a great place to start is the Forest Glade Gardens. It’s a serene escape offering a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural charm, perfect for any day trip or weekend getaway.
Mt Macedon + Forestglade Gardens
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Sorrento
Queenscliffe
Daylesford + Hepburn Springs
Mt Macedon + Forestglade Gardens
High Country
King Valley
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eeling major FOMO from your mates' Euro adventures? Same. Luckily for us Aussie and Aotearoa locals, we’ve got
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sprawling vineyards, snow-capped chalets and rugged coastal beaches primed for exploration—minus the jet lag.
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These Stunning Victorian Escapes Deliver Euro Energy Without The Jetlag
These West Aussie Escapes Will Feel Like A Euro Adventure, No Passport Required
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Just two hours' drive from the CBD, this iconic region’s manicured gardens, gorgeous estates, sprawling vineyards and cottage-core bakeries give off major French countryside vibes. For Provençal charm, check into at one of these dreamy stays in the Southern Highlands, linger over a long lunch at Briars, wander Bendooley Estate—a winery straight out of the Loire Valley.
Southern Highlands
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NEW SOUTH WALES
Escape to nature with a day exploring rural roads and Main Range National Park’s ancient rainforest and Queen Mary Falls. Soak up epic passenger seat views akin to a Swiss sojourn from Carrs Lookout, then unwind at Adjinbilly’s cosy cabins tucked in a rainforest gorge. Campfires, creekside serenity, and glow worm walks await.
Killarney + Queen Mary Falls
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QUEENSLAND
Space, silence, and sand so white it’s almost blinding, Esperance has that Greek Islands energy that you usually need a ferry and long haul flight to find. Unlike the Greek Islands though, you might find friendly kangaroos loitering on the shoreline, dolphins splashing in the shallows, and a distinct lack of €40 sunbed fees.
Esperance
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Snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and crisp alpine air, it wouldn’t be surprising if you mistook Queenstown for a Swiss escape. Park up for panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu from your room at Kamana Lakehouse, then pile in the car to take the Skyline Gondola or tackle the Ben Lomond Track for those postcard-worthy alpine vistas. As the sun sets, settle in at Toast and Oak—an intimate wine bar and restaurant serving up refined European flavours with a Kiwi twist.
Queenstown
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NEW ZEALAND
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Sure, the Austrian Alps are hard to beat—but for a similar snow-dusted escape minus the jet lag, the Snowy Mountains deliver. You’ll find on-par ski runs, cosy chalets and that same après-ski scene, all within road tripping distance. Base yourself at a boutique Euro-style lodge like The Stables, carve up the slopes at Thredbo or Perisher, and wrap up the day with fondue at Candlelight Lodge. In the off-peak season, swap skis for hiking boots and summit Mount Kosciuszko or wander the wildflower trails at Charlotte’s Pass.
Snowy Mountains
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Rugged sea cliffs, winding roads and coastal towns could all easily pass for a quieter stretch of the Mediterranean. The 140-kilometre Grand Pacific Drive is a major look-alike for the Strada Statale 163 Amalfitana, twisting through lush rainforests, sweeps over the picturesque Sea Cliff Bridge and rolls past cliff-hugging towns from Wollongong to Ulladulla and beyond.
South Coast
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Channelling Umbria with its rolling hills and family-run wineries, you could easily mistake the magnificent Hawkesbury for the Italian countryside. Lake Trasimeno is swapped for the incredible Hawkesbury River, which offers plenty of water activities such as swimming, kayaking, boating and oyster farm tours. Hit the road to Jubilee Vineyard Estate, before cruising on for a spot of apple picking at Bilpin Botanic Orchard. Then park up for the night at one of the stunning Hawkesbury River cottages.
Hawkesbury
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A Tuscan daydream feels surprisingly close when you take a road trip along the golden-hued hills of Orange and Mudgee. These stunning NSW wine regions are dotted with cool-climate vineyards and farm-to-table restaurants that transport you straight to central Italy—or Bordeaux in France, depending on the grape variety.
Orange & Mudgee
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With winding country lanes that twist through rainforest-cloaked Glasshouse mountains and postcard-perfect villages dotted along the way with farm-to-table bites and brews, a drive through the Sunshine Coast Hinterland can feel like you’ve been dropped into the heart of Tuscany. Add a night under the stars at Round Hill Retreat. Bliss!
Sunshine Coast Hinterland
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Make like you’re on the Côte d'Azur with a Noosa road trip. Start with chargrilled octopus and ocean views at Bistro C, drive down to the Hastings Street boutiques or hit the scenic 5.4km coastal trail through Noosa National Park—nature, dolphins, and retail therapy all in one sun-drenched escape.
Noosa
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Rugged coastlines, balmy days and succulent food trails—you’ve been sleeping on Tropical North Queensland road trip. Start in Palm Cove at Nu Nu, a beachfront gem championing lush produce from the rainforest, reef and outback cattle stations. Then hit the road to the ancient Daintree Rainforest, where you can wander via the discovery centre’s 23m tower, then saddle up for a horseback ride along Cape Tribulation, where reef meets rainforest.
Tropical North QLD
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Pristine islands, sugar white sand beaches and sparkling azure waters—swap jetting to the Greek Islands for a drive along this pocket of paradise. Base yourself in Airlie Beach, set on the edge of the Coral Sea before sinking your toes into Whitehaven Beach. Our fave way to explore it? Climb aboard ocean rafting, where you’ll be zipping across turquoise waters to Whitehaven Beach, hiking lush trails, and snorkelling vibrant reefs.
Whitsundays
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Starting in Cervantes and ending in Exmouth, this stunning stretch of coastline is a Southern Italian playground for Perth’s road-tripping, wave-chasing, snorkel-slinging adventurers. There’s surf, sunsets and red rock gorges year round, but visit between late-March and late-July and you might just find yourself swimming alongside the gentle, giant whale sharks of Ningaloo Reef.
Coral Coast
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With cheese, rolling hills and countless cellar doors made for long lunches in the sunshine, WA’s Swan Valley is a quiet overachiever and a short drive from Perth. Wander through the vineyards of Sandalford Wines, have a bite to eat at The Tapas Bar and when you’re ready to call it a day, park up to Maya Maya at Mandoon Estate for a night among the vines.
Swan Valley
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You don’t need to jet off to Croatia to chase waterfalls—Serpentine Falls, surrounded by bushland and granite cliffs, serves up that same inland Euro magic, minus the crowds, currency exchange, and seven-hour layover. Pack the car with a picnic and spend the day swimming in the natural pool, scrambling across the boulders and exploring the Serpentine National Park.
Serpentine Falls
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One minute, you’re navigating roundabouts in the suburbs, and the next, you’re winding through olive groves, roadside orchards and rolling hills. Set your GPS for Bickley, with some of the best boutique wineries in the state. Fairbrossen, Myattsfield and Plume Estate all deserve a spot on your itinerary. It’s a wildflower wonderland from late winter through spring, and a stunning spot for a nature fix year-round.
Perth Hills
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With its French heritage, quaint patisseries, and harbour views, Akaroa could easily pass for a sleepy beach town on the French Riviera. Take a scenic drive along the waterfront or a harbour cruise and spot Hector’s dolphins, then pop by French Peak Vineyard. Cap off the day with a candlelit dinner at The Little Bistro, where French-style flavours meet fresh, local ingredients in a cosy, intimate setting.
Akaroa
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Let’s be real—Hawke’s Bay is basically New Zealand’s answer to Bordeaux. With world-class wine, sun-soaked vineyards, grand old estates, and art deco vibes, it’s got serious French flair. Stay in style at The Manse, a luxe European-style lodge right in the heart of wine country, then hop in the car and cruise over to Black Barn Bistro for a long lunch with a view.
Hawke's Bay
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Dreaming of those magical Norwegian fjords? We've got Fiordland, right here in our own backyard, and it's just as breathtaking. Think towering cliffs, misty peaks, and waterfalls galore ready to road trip around. Stay at Fiordland Lodge, a cosy-meets-luxury hideaway with epic views over Lake Te Anau, and tuck into a locally sourced feast at their restaurant. If you’re more into lacing up your boots, park the car and tackle the Kepler Track in Fiordland National Park—it’s one of NZ’s Great Walks for a reason.
Fiordland
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Sun-drenched and serene, the Bay of Islands feels like New Zealand’s answer to the Greek Islands. With its turquoise bays, whitewashed colonial buildings, and relaxed vibe, Russell in particular has major Santorini energy just a short drive from Auckland. Whether you’re overlooking the sea or beach-hopping by boat, it’s island life at its best.
Bay of Islands
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Passenger Seat To Victoria
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These West Aussie Escapes Will Feel Like A Euro Adventure, No Passport Required
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These West Aussie Escapes Will Feel Like A Euro Adventure, No Passport Required
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These Aotearoa Escapes Will Feel Like A Euro Adventure
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These Stunning NSW Escapes Deliver Euro Energy Without The Jetlag
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